"You can't beat it, you know, to come here at Kildonan Park," Fred said. "We usually go away in the winter, but we had to stay home this year. And we're enjoying this little stretch, I tell ya."

Winnipeggers itching to get into the backyard and looking for the latest in hot tubs and patio furniture checked out the Home Expressions show at the Convention Centre.

Josh Friesen, staffing one of the booths, said he wasn't surprised it was busy.

"I think a lot of people are tired of winter,' he said. "I know last year, people were coming to see the stuff for summer. They got excited, wanting to spend time outside. It's definitely a good way to kick start the season even if it is going to be a bit slower."

The blizzard that hit Winnipeg and southern Manitoba two decades ago was a major contributor to the 'Flood of the Century' that year. (CBC)

Show organizers are expecting 20,000 people to attend over the weekend.

It's a far cry from the weather that hit southern Manitoba back in 1997.